Sports

Germany destroys Brazil's World Cup hopes

After Germany jumped out to a shocking 5-0 scoreline in the first half of the World Cup semifinals against Brazil, the whole nation broke down after realizing their hopes of lifting the World Cup at home were over. (REUTERS)

"We got a little bit panicked, and then things started to happen normally for them and everything went bad for us," Scolari said. "So I don’t have any regrets for the choices I made."

Scolari reiterated that the responsibility was shared. World class players -- all worth tens of millions of dollars -- completely capitulated in front of a sea of yellow.

In truth, however, it was likely his best coaching job to date. After all, there were questions as to whether Brazil would bother coming out after the break.

"I did my job as I've always done it, anywhere," Scolari said. "I did what I thought was best and what I thought was correct."

Despite Brazil coming close on a few occasions, the game turned into a big joke in the 69th minute when Andre Schurrle scored from close-range on a cross.

Schurrle made it 7-0 with 10 minutes remaining off a nice half-volley that beat Cesar at the near post.

Maybe the most disrespectful thing a fan base can do happened next.

The Brazilians here Tuesday night began applauding their opponents.

In an even more awkward moment, Oscar scored at the death to cut the lead to six only to hear his goal answered by jeers.

"I'm sorry we were not able to get to the final," Scolari apologized to Brazilians everywhere. "We're going to continue working and honouring. Our team is playing for third place now in Brasilia on Saturday."

Referee Marco Rodriguez didn't bother playing stoppages time, preferring to put Brazil out of its misery.

After Rodriguez blew for full-time, Brazil's players -- the country's ex-heroes -- circled up at midfield.

Following a brief pow wow, they turned and applauded their fans, who answered them with more howls and whistles as they made their way into the tunnel.

The days of Palm Sunday had been erased over 90 minutes.

And the Brazilian team was left facing a much different processional.

Follow our live coverage below featuring Kurtis Larson and Morris Dalla Costa, along with reaction from Brazil and social media.